As inclement weather sweeps across much of the country, enthusiasts of the latest collectible products will find themselves spending more time indoors. The coming weeks are set to bring a variety of new offerings to both brick-and-mortar hobby stores and online dealers, including specialty breakers. Here’s a rundown of what to expect:
Kicking off on January 12, 2024, is the SAGE Low Series Football collection. This early arrival in the football card scene, known for its absence of team logos, compensates with a generous offering of autographed cards. Each box contains 16 packs, each with an autograph, totaling seven cards per pack. This year, SAGE introduces new designs like the SP Kaleidoscope Autographs and Next Level autograph cards with on-card signatures. Hobby enthusiasts can find boxes on eBay for less than $130, with blaster options also available.
Following suit is the 2022-23 Upper Deck ICE Hockey, apt for the season's chill. Though branded for the previous season, this release brings 12 packs per box, each with six cards, and typically includes an autograph or memorabilia card. Key highlights are the hard-signed, serial-numbered Ice Premieres Auto and Auto Patch cards. The collection features a 250-card base set, including veterans, rookies, and Ice Premieres acetate rookies. Signature Swatches cards with game-worn jersey swatches and low-numbered black parallels are notable attractions. These boxes are priced at around $125.
January 17, 2023, sees the arrival of Bowman’s Best Baseball, showcasing prospects and rookies of the year. Each Hobby box offers 12 packs, divided into two mini-boxes, and guarantees at least three Chrome autograph cards. A unique addition to this year's set is an insert series created by Hall of Famer Randy Johnson. Current eBay listings show these boxes at $289. Additionally, the 2023 Leaf Metal Draft Baseball will also be available on this date.
The long-awaited 2023 Topps Stadium Club Baseball, initially scheduled for an October release, is finally hitting the shelves on January 24. Known for its focus on photography, the set offers two types of Hobby boxes, one with 16 packs and another with eight, each guaranteeing autographs. Blaster boxes are also in production. Hobby boxes are currently priced at $148.
Also releasing on January 24 is the 2023-24 Upper Deck Trilogy Hockey, featuring six packs per box and promising two autograph and/or memorabilia cards, along with various rookie and generation cards and numbered parallels. Unique collectibles like Scripted Hall of Fame Plaques and Crystalized Signatures make this a must-have for enthusiasts.
On January 26, basketball fans can look forward to the 2023-24 Panini Donruss Basketball release, showcasing the popular Fat Packs and Rated Rookies. Each Hobby box contains ten packs, with 30 cards per pack, including one autograph. The 2023 Panini Phoenix Football is also releasing, offering boxes with two autographs, one memorabilia card, and a plethora of other collectible items, ranging between $300-$350 online.